All posts by gregg

Lehigh Valley Weekly Report

7. Lehigh Valley

The weekly report a day early, thanks to a couple of scheduling conflicts.  Since the last weekly report, Lehigh Valley has gone 2-3, and stand at 8-11, in 4th place of the Northern Division of the International League, 4.5 games behind division leading Syracuse.

League Leaders, Hitting: Mayberry, 2nd in runs (16), tied for 7th in doubles (6); Wise, leads the league in triples (4); Ransom, tied for 7th in RBI’s (15), Duffy, tied for 7th in RBI’s (15); Tracy, tied for 2nd in walks(15), 8th in strikeouts (21).

Pitching: Bump, tied for league lead in Wins (3), 6th in ERA (1.80). Continue reading Lehigh Valley Weekly Report →

Bastardo to be Sent Down

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With the upcoming activation of Brad Lidge on Friday prior to the Phils game against the Mets, the Phillies have announced their intention to send LH reliever Antonio Bastardo back down to the Minors, presumably to Lehigh Valley. Bastardo, 24, has been used sparingly by the Phils but has pitched fairly well yielding an ERA of just 1.69 through 7 appearances.  The Phils hands are tied a bit as if they attempt to send David Herndon down, he would first have to be offered back to the Angels, from whom he came in the Rule 5 draft.  Additionally, Nelson Figueroa would have to clear waivers before being sent down as has pitched well in his opportunities thus far.  More decisions to be made with the activation of Joe Blanton presumably coming soon (Monday?)

‘Pigs Weekend Update

7. Lehigh Valley

A look at the Lehigh Valley weekend.  As usual, a full report on the ‘Pigs coming each Thursday.

Friday–Lehigh Valley opened their 4 game series in Scranton with an unusual game, where starter Andrew Carpenter (1-2)was on pitch count (presumably around 40) and was removed after two innings, giving up 3 runs on 3 hits in the Lehigh Valley 6-3 loss. AFter Scranton jumped ahead 3-0, Lehigh Valley got one back in the 3rd on a Rich Thompson RBi single, but Scranton added 2 in the sixth and one more in the seventh to put the game away.  The ‘Pigs scored two in the 8th to make in respectable they key hit being a Andy Tracy RBI single.  Reliever Brian Gordon threw four innings in relief, giving up 2 runs on 4 hits. SS Brian Bocock’s rough start continued, committing two errors(3,4). Continue reading ‘Pigs Weekend Update →

Lehigh Valley Weekly Report

7. Lehigh Valley

Lehigh Valley went 3-3 on the week and stood at 6-8, tied for 4th place in the Northern Divison of the International League, 3 games behind division leading Syracuse. Take a look at ‘Pigs who are among league leaders, John Mayberry is 2nd in the league in runs (11), DeWayne Wise is tied for 2nd in triples (2), Cody Ransom is tied for 6th in homers (3), Chris Duffy is tied for 7th in RBI’s (11), and Andy Tracy is tied for 4th in walks (9) and 2nd in strikeouts (19). Pitching leaders include only Nate Bump who is tied for 2nd in Wins (2) and 3rd in innings pitched (20). See below for week in review, ‘Pigs prospects, notes and transactions. Continue reading Lehigh Valley Weekly Report →

Carpenter Scratched From Start; Duckworth Activated

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Tonights scheduled starter Andrew Carpenter has been scratched from his start, leading to immediate speculation that he will be called up to Philadelphia because of the possibility of an imminent DL stint for JA Happ. Taking Carpenter’s start in Allentown this evening will be Brandon Duckworth who has spent the first two weeks of the season on the DL with turf toe.  With his activation, reliever Alex Concepcion (who was hit around for 4 runs in 2/3 of an inning on Wednesday) seems to have developed a similar malady and was placed on the DL with right turf toe.

Lehigh Valley Weekend Report

7. Lehigh Valley

A quick recap with some notes at the end:

Friday–Lehigh Valley ended their 4 game set with Pawtucket early, as their game was suspended after two innings with no score. Not much to report other then the rehab appearance by JC Romero, in which he pitched a scoreless first inning, striking out two. This game will be picked up in the bottom of the 2nd on June 29. Continue reading Lehigh Valley Weekend Report →

Quick Note

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A transaction of some note today in Lehigh Valley.  Left handed reliever Jake Woods was released and reliever Oscar Villareal was activated from the disabled list after spending the last year recovering from Tommy John surgery.  Villareal, a 29 year old righty, has spent parts of six seasons in the majors, amassing a career mark of 24-15 with a 3.86 ERA.  Villareal has made over 50 appearances in three major league seasons (03, 06, 07) and if recovered could be a help in a month or two in the Phillies bullpen.  Look for the Lehigh Valley full weekend report this evening.

Lehigh Valley Weekly Report

7. Lehigh Valley

Another slow start for Lehigh Valley, this time at 3-5, tied for 4th place and 2.5 games behind division leading Syracuse. Still a little early to be looking at league leaders. Look for the feature to begin next week.  See below for notes on propects, transactions, and probable starters.

Monday–The ‘Pigs opened a short two game series in Pawtucket Monday evening and Andrew Carpenter (0-1) was hit hard in his first start of the year, lasting just 3.1 innings and giving up 5 runs on 6 hits in the 6-5 Lehigh Valley loss.  He walked 3 and didnt strike out a batter. Carpenter threw 75 pitches, just 41 for strikes. An RBI triple by John Mayberry gave the ‘Pigs the early lead, but that was quickly answered by Pawtucket who didnt look back. An RBI double by Chris Duffy cut the lead to 6-2, and then a three run ninth made the game close.  John Mayberry led the ‘Pigs at the plate with a 3-4 effort, including a triple and 2 RBI’s. Continue reading Lehigh Valley Weekly Report →

Roster Shuffling

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With Wilson Valdez being called up to Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley was short an infielder, and called up 28 year old Melvin Dorta from Reading. Dorta has started slowly hitting just .176 thus far on the year, but is a career .269 hitter at the AAA level, spanning three seasons.  Filling Dorta’s role in Reading will be Keoni DeRenne.  Also, activated from the disabled list in Reading is Brian Stavisky, who takes over the roster spot of Quintin Berry as Berry recovers from his infection.

Rollins to DL, Valdez Called Up

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As expected, Jimmy Rollins was placed on the 15 day DL today with what is being described as a calf strain.  It was estimated that Rollins would miss anywhere from 2-4 weeks with the injury. Wilson Valdez was called up from Lehigh Valley to take Rollins spot on the active roster.  Valdez did have to be moved onto the 40 man roster, and the Phils now stand at the full compliment of 40. The 32 year old Valdez has spent parts of 4 seasons in the majors and is a career .222 hitter in the majors in 369 plate appearances.  Valdez, a career .299 hitter in AAA, saw some time with the Mets last season when Jose Reyes went down with his myriad of injuries.  He plays primarily SS, but can play 2B as well. Valdez started off the season very hot for Lehigh Valley hitting .455 in his 22 at bats.  Look for additional Minor League transactions today here if they become available.